Common Issues with Full and Partial Dentures

Dentures offer a trusted solution for missing teeth, enhancing both function and appearance. Understanding the common issues with full and partial dentures in Welland, ON, is crucial for anyone considering this option. This blog will explore denture wearers’ typical challenges and provide practical tips to ensure an absolutely comfortable experience.

Pain and Discomfort

Initial Adjustment Period

When you first start wearing dentures, an adjustment period is expected. You may experience pain and discomfort as your mouth adapts to the new appliance during this time. This period usually lasts a few weeks, during which the gums and other oral tissues may feel sore. You might also experience increased saliva production and minor irritation.

• Tips for Initial Adjustment:

• Wear dentures as instructed by your dentist in Welland to help your mouth adapt.
• Rinse your mouth using some warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
• Eat only soft foods to minimize pressure on your gums.
• Visit your dentist for adjustments if discomfort persists.

Long-term Pain Causes

While initial discomfort is normal, long-term pain is often a sign of underlying issues. Common causes include:

• Poor-fitting dentures cause pressure points.
• Changes in the shape of your gums and jaw over time.
• Development of oral infections or sores due to poor hygiene.

Solutions to Alleviate Pain

To address pain and discomfort from dentures:

• Regular Adjustments: Regular visits to your family dentist, Welland, ensure that your dentures fit well as your mouth changes.
• Denture Adhesives: These can help secure your dentures and reduce irritating movement.
• Proper Cleaning: Clean dentures daily to prevent infections and oral sores.
• Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Use oral gels and pain relievers as needed, but consult your dentist for persistent pain.

Difficulty Speaking and Eating

Common Speech Problems

Adapting to dentures can affect your speech initially. Common issues include difficulty pronouncing certain words and a tendency to slur speech. Loose dentures can exacerbate these problems by shifting when you talk.

• Common Speech Issues:

• The position of dentures causes lisping.
• Slurred speech due to instability of dentures.
• Difficulty with specific sounds, particularly those requiring tongue movement against teeth.

Eating Challenges with New Dentures

Eating with new dentures can be challenging as you get used to the appliance in your mouth. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can be difficult to manage.

• Common Eating Challenges:

• Difficulty chewing and breaking down food.
• Reduced ability to taste food fully.
• Pain or discomfort while eating tough foods.

Tips for Improving Speech and Eating

• Speech Improvement Tips:

• Practice speaking out loud, focusing on difficult words.
• Read aloud regularly to get accustomed to speaking with dentures.
• Use denture adhesives to minimize movement during speech.

• Eating Improvement Tips:

• Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs.
• Cut food into small, manageable pieces.
• Chew on both sides of your mouth to maintain dentures and balance pressure.
• Avoid sticky or too-hard foods that can dislodge dentures.

Loose or Ill-fitting Dentures

Causes of Loose Dentures

Over time, dentures can turn loose due to various factors. Common causes include:

• Natural bone resorption after tooth loss.
• Changes in gum and jawbone structure.
• Wearing dentures for an extended period without adjustments.

Consequences of Ill-fitting Dentures

Unfitting or loose dentures can cause several issues, such as:

• Increased discomfort and pain.
• Difficulty eating and speaking.
• Development of sores and infections due to friction.
• Reduced confidence in social settings due to the fear of dentures slipping.

Steps to Ensure Proper Fit

• Regular Dental Exams: Regular visits to your dentist ensure your dentures are adjusted as needed.
• Denture Relining: Relining adjusts the inner surface of the denture to fit the current shape of your gums.
• Use of Adhesives: Denture adhesives can temporarily stabilize until a professional adjustment is possible.
• Replacement: Dentures may eventually need to be replaced to guarantee a good fit and functionality.

Mouth Sores and Irritation

Identifying Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are a common issue for denture wearers. Friction, pressure points, or improper hygiene can cause them.

• Common Signs of Mouth Sores:

• Red, inflamed areas on the gums or inner cheeks.
• Ulcerations or open sores that cause pain.
• Persistent pain in specific spots where dentures rub against the gums.

Preventing and Treating Irritation

• Hygiene Practices:

• Clean dentures daily to remove food particles and bacteria.
• Rinse your mouth regularly in order to keep it clean and prevent infections.
• Soak dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution.

• Soothing Techniques:

• Rinse with warm salt water to lessen inflammation.
• Apply over-the-counter oral gels to soothe sore spots.
• Avoid too spicy or acidic foods that can irritate sores.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent Sores: If sores do not heal within a week or worsen, consult your dentist.
• Signs of Infection: Swelling, fever, or discharge may indicate an infection that needs professional treatment.
• Severe Discomfort: A dental check-up is necessary if pain and irritation interfere with daily activities.

Bone Resorption and Facial Change

Understanding Bone Resorption

Bone resorption occurs when the jawbone shrinks after tooth loss because of poor stimulation from tooth roots. This is a natural process that can affect denture fit over time.

• Causes of Bone Resorption:

• Tooth loss leads to reduced stimulation of the jawbone.
• Wearing dentures without addressing bone loss.
• Natural aging process affecting bone density.

Impact on Facial Structure

Bone resorption can lead to significant changes in facial structure, including:

• Sunken cheeks and changes in facial appearance.
• Increased wrinkles around the mouth.
• Changes in the fit and stability of dentures.

Preventive Measures and Treatments

• Dental Implants: Implants can help stimulate the jawbone and prevent resorption.
• Regular Adjustments: Regular dental visits ensure dentures fit properly and adjustments are made as needed.
• Bone Grafting: In severe cases, bone grafting may be necessary to restore lost bone density.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing the common issues with dentures is essential for a comfortable experience. If you’re facing denture problems, proactive care and regular dental visits are key. For effective missing teeth replacement, address these challenges early and consult your dentist to ensure the best fit and functionality for your dentures.

Are you experiencing issues with your false teeth?

Don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Rose City Dental today. Our expert team in Welland is ready to provide personalized solutions to ensure your dentures fit perfectly and comfortably. Contact us now for professional care and regain your confident smile!